Keep Logan Clear's Instagram Challenge Starts Feb. 17

Utah State University’s Keep Logan Clear campaign, which began in January, continues with an Instagram challenge running Feb. 17 -28. Each activity in the challenge is designed to bring awareness of transportation options around Cache Valley, show USU how Aggies commute and let participants get more involved in air quality issues. 

Those interested in entering the contest need to make an Instagram account for themselves or their team, and follow @usucommuterclub and @usuaggiebluebikes to learn about the challenges. The top three individuals or teams with the most points at the end will win $50 worth of outdoor gear of their choice.

“Utah State is no stranger to air quality issues,” said Jake Gottschalk, organizer for Keep Logan Clear. 

Several university faculty members study the formation of pollutants and behaviors people adopt to mitigate them. Inversions that form when cold air becomes trapped below warm air above, often affect Logan in the winter months. Inversions also trap pollutants from cars, homes and industry, polluting the air. These pollutants affect the heart and lungs, elevating health risks, shortening lifespans and turning the sky gray. 

Keep Logan Clear began as a student-led initiative in 2018 to educate the USU community about what individuals can do, especially on their commutes, to keep the air clear. 

“This has been a great opportunity for folks to get rewarded for something so easy,” Gottschalk said. “February seems like a daunting month to ride a bike or the bus in, but it’s incredibly rewarding.” 

In addition to the Instagram challenge, a Commuter Challenge is also underway until the end of February. Participating students, faculty and staff are recording their daily commutes on their Zimride commute calendar. By earning points for low-carbon or active transportation choices, participants compete for $25 worth of outdoor gear. Commute calendars can be accessed through zimride.com/usu.

About the USU Sustainability Council

The Utah State University Sustainability Council formed in 2007 after the university became a signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). The council seeks to reduce carbon emissions as well as conserve resources and enhance quality of life by promoting sustainability in USU’s academic and service missions.